2017-03-22
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. On the opening weekend of the duck shooting season at First Marsh, near Kerang, I noticed the presence of quite a large number of children at the wetland. In fact I saw some children entering the water accompanied by an adult with a shotgun. Those children were walking into the water before the hour of 10.00 a.m. Sections 58C(1) and 58C(1)(a) of the Wildlife Act 1975 and regulation 18 of the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 allow children between the ages of 12 and 18 to be on the water without having undergone a waterfowl identification test. However, it is not clear from the act or the regulations what the status of children under the age of 12 entering the water during duck season is. Could you please clarify that status?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank Ms Pennicuik for her question and her interest in this matter, which is no doubt interest in the safety of children in an environment where duck hunting is occurring. I am happy to undertake to provide Ms Pennicuik with some further detailed information about the regulations, controls and protections that exist in relation to children and in particular in relation to children under 12 years, and I will do so by tomorrow.
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — Thank you, Minister, for that. It is quite an important issue because under section 58C(1) of the act certain persons, such as those who are not in possession of a game licence, are not allowed on the water before 10.00 a.m. on the first day and also from 2 hours before sunset on each day of the opening season until 10.00 a.m. on the following day for up to three months of the duck shooting season, in effect handing over the wetlands to duck shooters for every morning of three months of the year. But at the wetlands on the weekend those without game licences — that is, duck rescuers — were being apprehended by authorised officers but no action was taken about these children entering water. So what advice is given to authorised officers with regard to children on the water?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank Ms Pennicuik for her further question. I cannot help but reflect on living with a 12-year-old and on just how big they get.
Ms Pennicuik interjected.
Ms PULFORD — Yes. Ms Pennicuik has made some observations from her own visit last weekend and presumed the age of children. I have not been provided with any details prior to today by Ms Pennicuik or any other agency that is part of the enforcement effort around opening weekend around this issue. But if Ms Pennicuik is in a position to provide me or the Game Management Authority with further information, we will certainly ensure that that is followed up.
But in terms of knowing specifically the details, it is a little hard to comment further other than to reiterate my offer to provide Ms Pennicuik with further information about the controls and arrangements in place for children under the age of 12. But again, without knowing the details of the minors that Ms Pennicuik alleges were on the wetlands on Saturday morning, I think perhaps Ms Pennicuik might be making some assumptions, and I do not want to be overly drawn on those.
Written response on 22 March 2017:
During the duck season, at specified times, entry into and remaining in all State Game Reserves and specified hunting areas is restricted.
Among others, people over the age of 12 holding a valid game and firearms licence are permitted to enter and remain in those areas.
People must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a game licence (or provisional licence that is valid for one year). Juniors (between 12 and 17 years of age), hunting with a Provisional Game licence, must be under the direct supervision of an adult holding a valid Game Licence for the species being hunted.
Juniors can also obtain a firearm licence in Victoria when they are aged between 12 and 17 years. Among other requirements, they can only carry and use that firearm under the immediate supervision of an adult with a full licence for the same category of firearm.
Written response 2 May 2017:
During the duck season, at specified times, entry into and remaining in all State Game Reserves and specified hunting areas is restricted.
Among others, people over the age of 12 holding a valid game and firearms licence are permitted to enter and remain in those areas.
The Victorian Government recognises that hunting is a recreational and social activity. As such, parents or responsible adults permitted to enter and remain in specified hunting areas might, from time to time, accompany children under the age of 12.
However, people must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a game licence (or provisional licence that is valid for one year). Juniors (between 12 and 17 years of age), hunting with a Provisional Game licence, must be under the direct supervision of an adult holding a valid Game Licence for the species being hunted.
Juniors can also obtain a firearm licence in Victoria when they are aged between 12 and 17 years. Among other requirements, they can only carry and use that firearm under the immediate supervision of an adult with a full licence for the same category of firearm.
Authorised Officers and Victoria Police members are on site at hunting areas during the season to keep these areas safe and ensure that all relevant laws and regulations are complied with.
All Authorised Officers assisting in duck hunting compliance are appropriately accredited and trained. In particular, they undertake training in the laws specific to duck hunting before being given field duties, including in laws relating to who is permitted to enter and remain in restricted areas.
To ensure a consistent approach across different government agencies and geographical locations, Authorised Officers undertake their duties in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and approved Operational Plans. To ensure currency, immediately prior to entering the field, all Authorised Officers attend operational briefings to inform them of any seasonal changes and address any operational matters.